A joint initiative by the Region of Sicily, Campania (Italy), and the Algarve Region, part of the event's official program, focused on the role of regions in implementing the European Strategic Technology Platform (STEP). The event included participation from representatives of the European Commission's DG BUDG and DG REGIO, as well as the organizing regions and their respective funding Regional Programs.
The Executive Board Member of the ALGARVE 2030 Regional Program, Aquiles Marreiros, shared the regional experience, where 18 million euros were mobilized for this new priority. To date, 5 STEP calls have been launched, with 2 more planned by year-end, covering the programmed allocation. Marreiros highlighted the region's potential in biotechnology and digital technologies, aligned with the Regional Strategy for Smart Specialisation (EREI).
STEP aims to support the development of critical technologies, ensure their innovative and emerging nature with strong economic potential, and reduce strategic dependencies of the European Union. This initiative represents a significant commitment by the European Commission for the upcoming 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Approved applications within the regional program represent a total investment exceeding 11 million euros, with an ERDF contribution of 3.5 million euros, focusing on technological development, the blue economy, and health promotion.
Currently, the following STEP calls are open: MPr-2026-9 (Business R&D&I – Digital and Biotechnology, 1 million euros), ALGARVE-2026-2 (Technological Infrastructures and Equipment, 1.05 million euros), and MPr-2026-10 (Productive Innovation – Digital and Biotechnology, 7.95 million euros). These calls can be consulted on the official website.
